Coco Gauff staged a remarkable comeback to defeat world number one Aryna Sabalenka and capture her second Grand Slam title with a hard-fought 6-7 (5/7), 6-2, 6-4 win in Saturday’s French Open final.
The 21-year-old American, ranked second in the world, showed grit and composure to rally from a set down on the iconic Court Philippe Chatrier, avenging her 2022 final defeat in Paris and reaffirming her dominance over Sabalenka, whom she also beat in the 2023 US Open final.
The win marks Gauff’s second Grand Slam title and solidifies her reputation as one of tennis’ elite players, especially in high-pressure matches. Her victory also tips the head-to-head record against Sabalenka in her favor, 6-5.
Sabalenka, 27, who was hoping to claim her third different Slam after success in New York and back-to-back Australian Open titles, was undone by 70 unforced errors and difficult windy conditions. The loss marks her second consecutive defeat in a Slam final following January’s heartbreak in Melbourne.
A Battle of Wills and Nerves
The match began with Sabalenka storming to a 4-1 lead, exploiting Gauff’s slow start. But the top seed’s serve wavered, and a flurry of double faults allowed Gauff back into contention. Both women struggled to hold serve consistently in a marathon 77-minute first set, which Sabalenka finally clinched in a tiebreak — the first in a women’s French Open final since 1998.
Gauff, however, reset brilliantly in the second set, racing to a 4-1 advantage and confidently closing it out to level the match. She maintained that momentum into the decider, breaking Sabalenka early and then again after being pegged back to 3-3.
Despite a nervy finish — missing her first match point and facing a break threat — Gauff held firm, clinching the win on her second opportunity and collapsing to the clay in celebration.
What you should know
Coco Gauff’s victory at Roland Garros cements her status as a two-time Grand Slam champion at just 21. After a tough loss in the 2022 French Open final, she returned with renewed focus and maturity to outlast world number one Sabalenka in a gripping showdown, confirming her place among the sport’s modern greats.
